蕭昶欣/英文/CFM/10月14-20日
1When was the last time you read the spiritual impressions you have recorded during your study of the New Testament?
2It might be helpful to review the promptings you’ve been receiving.
3Paul wrote his epistles to the Philippians and Colossians while he was in prison.
4But these letters don’t have the tone you might expect from someone in prison.
5Paul spoke more about joy, rejoicing, and thanksgiving than he did about afflictions and trials: “Christ is preached,” he said, “and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:18).
6“Though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding … the steadfastness of your faith in Christ” (Colossians 2:5).
7Certainly, “the peace of God” that Paul experienced in his difficult circumstances “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), but it was nonetheless a reality. In our own trials, we can feel this same peace and “rejoice in the Lord alway” (Philippians 4:4).
8We can, as Paul did, rely completely upon Jesus Christ, “in whom we have redemption” (Colossians 1:14).
9We can say, as did Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13; see also Colossians 1:11).
10The phrase “work out your own salvation” is used by some people to support the idea that we are saved only by our own efforts.
11But that’s a limited view, just as it is limited to understand Paul’s teaching—“by grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8)—to mean that no works are required for salvation.
12The scriptures, including the writings of Paul, clearly teach the need for both the grace of Jesus Christ and personal effort in order to receive salvation.
13As Nephi said, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23).
14Even in our efforts to work out our salvation, “it is God which worketh in you”.
15(Philippians 2:13; see also Philippians 1:6; Bible Dictionary, “Grace”)
16Paul gave up much when he converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, including the influential place he held in Jewish society as a Pharisee.
17In Philippians 3:5–14, look for what Paul gained because he was willing to make sacrifices for the gospel.
18How did he feel about his sacrifices?
19Then consider your own discipleship.
20What have you sacrificed for the gospel of Jesus Christ?
21What have you received?
22Are there any additional sacrifices you feel you need to make to become a more dedicated disciple of the Savior?
23See also 3 Nephi 9:19–20; Doctrine and Covenants 58:2–5; Robert C. Gay, “What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 34–36.
24Paul’s life is a vivid illustration of the truth expressed by President Russell M. Nelson: “When the focus of our lives is on …
25Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.
26Joy comes from and because of Him” (“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82).
27As you read Philippians—particularly chapter 4—search for statements that can help you find joy in any circumstance of your life.
28When have you experienced “the peace of God” during a challenging time? (verse 7).
29When have you found strength “through Christ” to do hard things? (verse 13).
30Why do you think it is important to “be content” in all circumstances? (verse 11).
31How can practicing the attributes in verse 8 help you find joy in your circumstances?
32See Alma 33:23; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Grateful in Any Circumstances,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 70–77.
33Here’s a study approach you could try with almost any chapter of scripture, though it works especially well with Colossians 1:12–23.
34Search the verses for anything you learn about Jesus Christ, and make a list of what you find.
35Why do you feel it is important to know these things about the Savior?
36How do you know if the gospel of Jesus Christ is helping you become a “new man [or woman]”?
37One way to find out is to explore Colossians 3:1–17 and make a list of the attitudes, attributes, and actions of the “old man” and another list of the attitudes, attributes, and actions of the “new man.”
38Does your study of these verses inspire any thoughts about how the gospel is changing you?
39Record your thoughts so that you can review them in the future and ponder how you are progressing.
40As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family.
41Here are some suggestions:
42Your family may notice the words joy or rejoice repeated often in Philippians.
43Each time you come across one of these words, you could stop and discuss what Paul taught about how to find joy.
44How can we “shine as lights in the world”?
45Perhaps your family could identify things to “think on” that fit the descriptions in this verse (see also Articles of Faith 1:13).
46How would your family be blessed by following Paul’s counsel?
47What can we do to increase “in the knowledge of God”?
48What “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” do we find in the gospel?
49Perhaps your family could read these verses sitting around a tree or while looking at a picture of a tree.
50(such as the one that accompanies this outline).
51What does it mean to be “grounded” and “rooted” in Christ?
52How can we help each other strengthen our spiritual roots?
53For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.
54Live your testimony.
55“You teach what you are,” Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught.
56“Your traits will be more remembered … than a particular truth in a particular lesson”.
57(in Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 13)
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